Victor Lee Mandich, age 77, a resident of Hoquiam, died on Jan. 27, 2021, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen. Victor was born on Aug. 29, 1943, in Aberdeen to Victor W. and Lena (Tolomei) Mandich.

In 1961, Vic graduated from Hoquiam High School. He began working for Reiner’s Sporting Goods in Aberdeen while in high school and worked his way up to manager. When the store closed, he worked as the head maintenance man at the Polynesian Resort in Ocean Shores, retiring at 65. Following a family legacy of fishing, he also worked as a commercial fisherman. He fished alongside his dad and other family members on the Purse Seiner F/V Fort Bragg. He owned and operated his Gillnetter, The Miss Tammy, which he later turned into a cruiser — known as the Gill-yacht. Vic spent many summers with his Gill-yacht cruising the San Juan Islands and up into Canada.

On April 4, 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, JoAnn Manenica, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aberdeen. Vic and JoAnn did many cruises in the Gill-yacht, before JoAnn passed on Jan. 29, 2013.

Vic loved to tease and was known for his quick wit and ever-present smile. He also loved to take day excursions, often with his dogs and eat out. Vic had a hard time understanding the Covid restrictions and the lack of being able to go visiting and dining. He is missed by his dogs, Kahlua and Brandy who brought him so much happiness and peace.

Prior to passing, Vic was diagnosed with dementia and suffered with the complications of the disease.

Surviving relatives include his daughter, Tammy Lund (Mike) of Hoquiam; a son, Vic Mandich (Kyla) of Oxnard, California; a sister, Janice Meyer of Olympia; a brother, David Mandich of Hoquiam; an Aunt Rena Gegen of Aberdeen; grandchildren: Max Mandich of the Grand Cayman Islands, Alex Tomko of Hoquiam and Kali Lund of Hoquiam; several cousins and best friend, Ethel Reed.

At this time, due to COVID restrictions, there will be no service.

The family suggests that in support of his love for animals, memorial contributions be made to PAWS, P.O. Box 451, Aberdeen, WA 98520 or a cancer research group to support the family fighting different forms of cancer.

Cremation arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.

Please take a moment to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.